US clarification on one-time H-1B fees: How MEA worked over weekend to engage with Trump administration to win relief; details here
The White House clarification on the hikes $100,000 H1-B visa fee being only for new applicants and not for existing holders, along with the announcement that it was a one-time fee, rather than an annual cost brought a sigh of relief in the Indian IT sector.According to an ET report, the External Affairs Ministry engaged intensively during the weekend with the Donald Trump administration regarding H-1B fees concerns, following the initial announcement that could have affected core India-US relations.Following discussions in both New Delhi and Washington, the White House issued a statement clarifying that the one-time fees would apply solely to new H-1B applicants. Sources were quoted as saying that during these talks, officials emphasised the significant economic value that H1B visa-holders bring to the American economy.Officials also confirmed that India continues its dialogue with the Trump administration on this matter. Additionally, various industry associations have also communicated their perspectives to US officials regarding the H-1B announcement.The White House provided significant clarity by confirming that the one-time fee of $100,000 would affect only new H1B applicants, which helped ease concerns across the technology sector.
What was the H-1B fee hike announcement?
US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick’s announcement on Friday, September 19, regarding significant fee increases generated initial uncertainty. He said that a $100,000 annual fee would apply to H-1B visas.The announcement, which suggested annual payments for both new and renewal applications, initially caused distress among current H1B workers concerned about additional payment requirements.The announcement triggered widespread anxiety amongst Indian H1B visa holders in the US. American legislators criticised it as “reckless”, whilst many visa holders cancelled their travel arrangements just before departing for India, and those already in India rushed to return. Organisations also raised alerts for H1B visa holders and their families who were abroad for professional or leisure purposes.Also Read | Trump’s H-1B visa fee hike to backfire? Wall Street banks set to rely more on Indian GCCs; may deepen presence in India“H1B holders have historically become the architects of innovation, founding companies that generate hundreds of thousands of American jobs and contribute billions in tax revenue to federal, state, and local governments,” nonprofit organisation Indiaspora posted on X.With India receiving 71% of H1B visa approvals last year, followed by China at 11.7%, it remained the primary beneficiary. Although immediate concerns have subsided, lower-salaried H1B visa holders may face increased challenges in the future.Subsequently, the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt issued an extensive clarification saying:To be clear:1.) This is NOT an annual fee. It’s a one-time fee that applies only to the petition.2.) Those who already hold H-1B visas and are currently outside of the country right now will NOT be charged $100,000 to re-enter.H-1B visa holders can leave and re-enter the country to the same extent as they normally would; whatever ability they have to do that is not impacted by yesterday’s proclamation.3.) This applies only to new visas, not renewals, and not current visa holders.It will first apply in the next upcoming lottery cycle.Also Read | The $100,000 H-1B gamble: Why Donald Trump’s visa tax won’t save American jobs – winners and losers
